Paravaginal Repair

Paravaginal repair is a surgery used to restore the bladder and the urethra to its normal position by attaching it to the pelvic side-walls.

When is it used?

The aim of this operation is to correct stress urinary incontinence.

What are the benefits?

The procedure should allow easy, effective control of urinary function. It should help you be more active. You might be able to resume your normal level of activity without leaking urine.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Damage to a vein or artery that could cause serious bleeding.

Making a hole in my bladder that could cause a tract (fistula) between my vagina and bladder.

That my urine leakage may not be improved.

That my bulging bladder (cystocele) may not improve or could return.

Damage to my ureters, the tubes that carry urine from my kidneys to my bladder.

Damage to my small intestines or colon.

That I may have difficulty emptying my bladder.

That I may develop bulging in my rectum (rectocele) or my vagina (vaginal vault eversion).

That I may develop infection in my incision, the area around my bladder, or my bladder

How do I prepare for paravaginal repair?

Follow your health care provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers heal more slowly after surgery. They are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery. For this reason, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. Also, your wounds will heal much better if you do not smoke after surgery.

Follow any other instructions your provider gives you. If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before midnight. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens after the procedure?

You may stay in the hospital about 1 to 2 days. The catheter may stay in your bladder 2 to 6 days or until your bladder is working again.

Create a plan for rest after the surgery, and try to find a friend or family member to assist you while you’re recovering. During the first 4 weeks after the operation, you may have some small, and sometimes bloody drainage from your vagina. After you leave the hospital, avoid all heavy activity such as lifting for the first 2 weeks. Then follow your provider's recommendations for gradually increasing your activity.

Ask what other steps you should take and schedule follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.